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11/04/2006: "Rumblings in Naga ruling coalition OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Rumblings in Naga ruling coalition OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is heading for trouble with a major constituent of the coalition, the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), demanding disciplinary action against DAN chairman Hokishe Sema and four other MLAs for criticising the government.
The four include legislators, Z. Obed (NPF), Huska Sumi (JD-U), Talinungsang (NPF) and former finance minister K. Therie, who had blamed the government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Their remarks evoked strong protests from the NPF and the ruling combine. Praising the government for its “deft” handling of the volatile situation in the wake of fratricidal killings by Naga rebels, the NPF central office- bearers said the party wanted DAN partners to take steps against their legislators for tarnishing the image of the government.
The party claimed that the government, in its effort to restore peace, got overwhelming support from the people. Lambasting the five MLAs, the NPF alleged that none of the five disgruntled legislators even cared to find out from the government the state of affairs.
“While they kept on saying that it’s the constitutional duty of the elected members to maintain peace in the state, none of them made any effort to discharge their constitutional duties. In total disregard of their constitutional obligations, they took pleasure in making irresponsible statements through the press. They criticise with the sole aim of aggravating crisis,” the NPF leaders alleged.
The people of the state will not fail to see through their evil designs, NPF sources said.
Coming down heavily on the five MLAs for openly criticising their own government, the NPF leader said dissent, if any, could have been sorted out by other means. Media cannot be a proper forum to air grievances against the government, they said. The party said there was no reason why the DAN government would not complete its full term and usher in permanent peace in the state. The Congress has once again demanded the resignation of chief minister Neiphiu Rio on moral grounds for the “deteriorating law and order situation in the state”. Congress parliamentary secretary and MLA K.V. Pusa said the outburst of DAN chairman and four other MLAs indicated the DAN government’s all-round failure. Demanding Rio’s resignation, he said Nagas are peace- loving people and “lawlessness cannot be allow to continue in the state”. The party has also submitted a memorandum to the Governor seeking dismissal of the state government.
Makuilongdi silver jubilee Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03: The silver jubilee celebration of Makuilongdi re-establishment will be held in a grand way at Makuilongdi village, Senapati district on December 1 under the theme 'Unity in Brotherhood', said a press release issued by the celebration committee.
The celebration which is expected to be participated by Zeliangrong delegates from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland would feature Zeliangrong cultural dances, traditional fashion parade, talent show, exhibition etc.
Saying that it will launch fund drive in Zeliangrong inhabited areas for the silver jubilee celebration, the Committee appealed to the public to cooperate with the organising committee during the fund drive.
UNC issues clause for polls Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 02: As part of its ongoing endeavour to achieve the goal of Greater Nagaland with political impetus, the United Naga Council has indicated that the Naga civil society will lend support to those candidates in the forthcoming Assembly polls who would work for the naga cause with full conviction. The UNC and its constituent bodies - ANSAM, NPMHR, Naga Mothers’ Association and presidents of Naga tribes - have already begun mobilising the people in all naga dominated areas on the issue. “Our idea on the mobilisation is to convince the whole Naga population and support the most dynamic candidates, who are committed to the cause of the Nagas,” UNC general secretary Azang Longmai told The Sangai Express today. The endeavour is in consonance with the UNC resolution of August 3 wherein Naga candidates had been instructed against contesting the forthcoming Assembly elections under any National political parties, he reminded while adding that the decision has already been intimated to all the 11 sitting Naga MLAs. On being asked if any new political outfit would be floated to provide a platform for the ‘proposed people’s candidates’ he said the matter would be considered while clarifying that UNC has nothing to do with regional political entities. Informing that formal mobilisation activities had begun since yesterday, Azang further claimed that the endeavour has started to win the support of the people. He also reminded that non-cooperation movement launched against the Manipur Government is still in force in all Naga inhabited areas of the State. It may be mentioned that a verbal spat had erupted between the Congress MLA RK Theko and UNC when a newspaper quoted the former as saying that NSCN (IM) is attempting to wipe out the Congress organisation from Naga areas through the UNC. Apart from rubbishing the MLA contention, UNC had dubbed RK Theko’s reported comments as ‘mere illusion and without foundation’.
NBSE deadline catches many unaware Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, November 02: Amidst confusion over the sudden announcement/information that the last date for filling up the NBSE forms for the 2006 examination is today, more than 868 students from 30 private schools of Ukhrul District have left for Dimapur since yesterday. When this correspondent went to TKS (Tangkhul Katamnao Shaklong) office to take stock of the sudden development it was found out that over thousands of people including parents of the students and their teachers gathered around the TKS office who were caught totally unaware by the development. When asked about the sudden development, the parents stated that no prior information of such kind were notified by the school authority and the student organization.

The parents said that that the form fill up should be actually done at each school and submitted by the school authority to the Board concerned. However, today’s information is very discouraging and uncalled for as the situation in Nagaland is very tense and the parents do not like to take chances for their children, they said. Sources from TKS office informed that the given time was too limited and added that it was notified at the 11th hour. To help the students and the parents and provide them guidance, ANSAM members have been stationed at Senapati to escort them till Nagaland and then the NSF will escort the students till they reach the Centre (Dimapur ).

Altogether 11 buses left since yesterday carrying 865 students apart from 20 Parents and 30 (thirty) Teachers from Ukhrul accompanying the students. Eight buses carrying 656 had earlier left yesterday around 7.30 pm and reached reached Senapati at 2 am. Another 209 students left today at around 1.45pm from the TKS premises said, Christina Shingnaisui, AGS, TKS. However, Jessami students had already earlier left for Nagaland via the Pffusuro road when they were contacted.
Nagaland trying to revive rural tourism Bano Haralu/Monideepa Banerjie NDTV
(Benreu): After a break of 56 years, a Naga village last week revived the centuries old tradition of gate pulling as their own way of getting on the world tourist map. Sixty young men from Benrue village in Nagaland's Peren district carved out of a single tree trunk, a massive gate, which will be placed at the entrance of the village, is symbolic.
It represents security not only for the villagers but any visitor who seeks shelter in the village.
The Mt Pauna Tourist centre is named after the third highest mountain in Nagaland located in this area. Benreu village, which has just been declared a tourist centre, found no better way to mark the occasion.
"We are now making the community manage this infrastructure. We cut down on overhead expenses and at the same time bring out the best in the community and provide training. The idea is to get them to become confident to manage this kind of a resort," said Khekiye Sema, Tourism Commissioner.

Uphold rituals Benreu's villagers have realized that their future lies in the past, though most of them are Christians, the religious tradition of animism is being kept alive for the tourists to come and see.

"The village has decided that it will uphold the beliefs and rituals observed by the non-believers in major affairs of the village for as long as even one person continues to practice the old way," said Ngiambe, villager. Despite efforts, tourism hasn't really taken off in Nagaland. Last year, domestic and foreign tourists totaled a paltry 3000.

But all of them gave rural tourism the thumbs up after visiting three village tourist centres promoted by the Nagaland government in the last few years. Benreu is the fourth village dedicated to rural tourism and is confident it will cash in on the tourist boom, but whenever it comes. The gate will be put in its righful place in a few days and any visitor who passes through these gates becomes the honored guest and responsibility of the entire village.
It is this factor that the government of Nagaland is banking upon to promote tourism in Nagaland.
Why Nagaland can’t be independent- Nagaland Post Opinion
There was no record when any foreign authority or ruler excercised formal and legitimate rule over the entire Nagaland. The Nagas lived freely in their self-contained and self-ruled villages and regions for centuries together. British administration of a small part of Nagaland for three quarters of a century in the past was case of forced Occupation. So also the present state of affairs in the Naga areas is India's imposed rule and forced occupation.
So what kind of talks do the Naga requite with India? Can any section of the Nagas expect a gentlemanly approach to any problem from Indian leaders?? Can any group of Nagas expect honesty and sincerity from Indian leaders in their dealings?? Do the simple and open-hearted Nagas understand the Indians being with different physical characteristics in every aspect entirely different from the Nagas? Talks with Indians means, bluffs, frauds and cheatings Nothing more than that. And for reason of their own, any reasonable and truthful persons among Indians like Lt. Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan would be treated as anti-Indian, traitors, etc, and would be eliminated from Indian society. The only thing the Nagas should do is to ask the Indian govt. and the UNO to recognize the Sovereign Independence of Nagaland and to immediately withdraw the Indian occupational forces from Nagaland. That is the only option for the Nagas, if the Nagas want to live as free people as they had been from time immemorial.
If the Nagas want to be a free people, they should fight as the LTTEs in Sri Lanka and those freedom fighters of Kashmir. I really appreciate the cautious steps taken by the ULFA for having a political talk with Indian. One should take for granted that talking to India is synonym of surrender or capitulation. What Indian leaders as product of caste ridden society can do justice to others?
If a tiny Nation of Brunei Darussalam having an area of only 5770 Sq. Km could be sliced out from a small Bameo Island and created an Independent Nation. Why not Tamil land in Shri Lanka? If a small Island of Timor could be divided into West and East Timor having an area of 15 Sq. Km could be made Sovereign Independent Nation, why not Kashmir in the extreme northwest India? If scores of small and tiny nations could be granted Independence, why not North East India, connected with a narrow strip of land to India, having a total area of more than two (2) lakhs Sq. Km can be creted Sovereign Independent Country?? Likewise, in comparison with other Independent Nations of the world, Nagaland is a medium size nation and so why not the Sovereign existence of Nagaland be recognized even after struggling for so long a time?? Nagaland was not a personal property of British element Atlee or Winston Churchill. Nagaland is neither a personal property of J.Nehru or Man Mohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi or Atal B. Vajpayee. So the Independence of Nagaland should be recognized without further delay. It is purely my personal opinion as a long Naga political sufferer and in no why reflects the opinion of NSCN/GPRN. A. Z. Jami, Convenor, Council of Kilonsers and Kilonsers In-charge of MIP & Education, GPRN, NSCN (K)
Battle of Zunheboto: The Aftermath- The Nagaland Post Opninion
No amount of money could compensate for the grief, damage and general hysteria and chaos caused by the three day long battle. No sooner had the dust begun to settle, several NGOs, hitherto hidden have raised their hands to claim a major role in the eviction of the two warring faction's from Zunheboto. It is now time for the youth's to take the baton from our so-called elders, whose wisdom never before questioned, but now riddled with politics. It seems ceasefire is the top most priority of the central government as well as the state's even higher than observing law and order even at the expense of public life and properties. One shudders to think of what could have transpired at Zunheboto had not the " Unruly Mob" took matters in their own hand's to stop the fighting from further escalating into major anarchy. How ironic indeed that the "Peacemakers" were comfortably watching the battle from the luxurious confines of their homes, while the 'unruly mob' were made to flee from their homes, their properties and live stocks at stake1 how ironic indeed that the faction's were able to dictate term's with the state administration at the expense of the "unruly mob".
Several conflicting and partial reports have been reported and written in the dailies, that even the observing and suffering public of Zunheboto could not relate those events with what had actually happened in our town, the district headquarters'. Some 65 odd bomb's exploded; more than 10,000 rounds fired, leaving one dead on either side and several injured; the battle field-Amiphoto-South Point-DC Hill Colony, home to some 4-5 thousand and 2000 odd houses, district HQ town Zunheboto, 3 Battalion of Indian Rogue Battalion (IRB) present in the town, Assam Rifles comfortably settled in Zunheboto (since when?) District Administration alive and kicking Hon'ble sirs, make sense of that! The true heroes in restoring law and order, normalcy are the "Unruly Mob" Aka, citizens of Zunheboto led by STH under the leadership of Mr's Hutoli S. Zhimo, Huska Yeptho ex-president Sumi Hoho, Kiheto Satami representing Sumi Hoho, D.Bs Kivigho S. Rotokha DSO Zunheboto. Sumi Kukami Hoho? District Administration? IRB's? Assam Rifles? Since one person do not constitute an organization, Sumi Hoho? Zunheboto Town Council? And this is what 'they' had to say; Tokheho Yeptho, Ministers,…..
The citizen's of Zunheboto should have respected and received us more warmly". Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, "An unruly mob comprising mostly of Amiphoto residents, under the leadership of certain vested individual's put up their 'ugly and undesirable action' before the Home Minister and his team" and further added "ignorance about initiatives undertaken by the government Yes! We are indeed ignorant about the initiatives undertaken by our "Transparent" government pray, what is the real objective of ceasefire? Thenecho, Home minister, Nagaland. "I fully expected to be pelted with stones and it wouldn't have surprised me the least, after what they had been through". Well, well, well, how ignorant we are! V.K Roth
Lim spectre on polls Sangai Express Editorial
It is now more than clear that the contentious issue of a Greater Lim is going to dominate the forthcoming Assembly election, especially in the Naga dominated hill districts of the State. The United Naga Council has also spelt out the first Commandment for the aspiring Naga candidates and that is they should not contest the election under any National political party. The logic behind this move can be easily understood for once a candidate is elected as a member of a National political party, then he/she has to toe the line of the party's high command and this may not always be in the interest of the Greater Lim demand. The idea is to let the candidates contest the election under a regional party or a party which will abide and stand by the demand of Nagalim. It can also be interpreted as a political move to control the elected members and to do the bidding of the UNC whenever the need arises. This experiment has already proven successful with the Outer Parliamentary MP, Mani Charenamei. If Mr Charenamei had won the election as a member of a National party, then it is doubtful if he would have been able to push the Great Lim agenda as forcefully as he has done in Parliament. In other words, the idea is to control the elected representatives and in place of the party's high command at Delhi, the high command in effect becomes the Naga civil society organisations, particularly the UNC, which is the apex Naga social organisation in the State. The outcome of the election is anyone's guess, but already the writing on the wall is becoming clearer by the day. In the Naga dominated hill districts, the election will be fought on the basis of the Greater Nagaland issue while other issues which are important, will be put to the cold storage. Developmental works, corruption, clean and effective administration etc will be given the short shrift and all the candidates will be playing the Greater Lim cards to the gallery. How much this will go on to better the lot of the people living in the far flung places is another question though.
If the writ of the UNC is that the Naga candidates should stay away from the National parties, then will it mean the death of the Congress, BJP, NCP and others in the hill districts, particularly the Naga dominated districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel ? Only time can answer this question, but the heat is already on the National parties and it remains to be seen what strategies they adopt to meet the new challenge. If a free and fair election can be assured hundred percent then the National parties may not have any reason to worry, but reality tells a different story and given the topography of the hills and the wide geographical areas, providing adequate security will be a tall order to follow. Then there is also the question of how sincerely and seriously, the Central forces such as the Assam Rifles would be ready to provide security during the election. Practically for the Central security personnel, they have no stake in the State election and given this fact, they may not like to fish in troubled waters. It is more than clear that the election in the hills is going to be dictated by what the Naga civil society organisations say in the backdrop of the Greater Lim demand and the definition of a true Naga political worker will be given by them and no one else. Given this, we will not be surprised to see if the election in the hill districts is reduced to something of a circus !
NSCN (K) clarifies on Sukhai village incident The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 3 (MExN): NSCN (K) Military Spokesperson Isak Sumi has clarified that armies from FGN and NSCN (K) were conducting routine joint military exercise and were taking rest at Sukhai village. On hearing of rival NSCN (IM) cadres’ arrival towards Sukhai Village in 3 mini trucks, the combined force went to waylay them and in the process three of the NSCN (IM) cadres were shot dead after 15 to 20 minutes, the NSCN (K) stated.
Pointing out that the NSCN (IM) surrounded Sukhai and started indiscriminate shelling and bombing of Sukhai village, whoever was taking shelter at Sukhai village. As a result 2 FGN cadres were killed and some mortar shells fired by NSCN (IM) cadres burned down the granaries and furniture, timbers belonging to Sukhai villagers, it stated and demanded compensation for the victims. Clarifying that Brig. Niki Sumi was nowhere around the locality of factional fight and he is still robust and healthy, the NSCN (K) Spokesperson termed the reports of Kraibo Chawang claiming to have injured Brig. Niki and several others as “the cheapest lies and incredible propaganda ever heard of”. ”IK cadres intention to down our cadres morale through cheapest publicity reflects their desperation so also claiming to have recovered more then Rs. 12,000 from slain FGN Captain is completely false. It was 2nd Lieutenant and one Corporal from FGN who were killed by the IK cadre mortar, which also destroyed other properties in the village”.
Stating that the encounter at Sukhai which started around 11:30 am lasted till 5:30 pm and informed that NSCN (IM) cadres could not enter the village and that after sustaining maximum casualty they left the village. The NSCN (K) also claimed that at least 4 NSCN (IM) cadres were killed at Sukhai village and around half-dozen were injured for which they retreated immediately before entering the village. “Soon after their withdrawal we also left the village in order to let the public return to their village. We express our regrets for having caused miseries to the villagers of Sukhai village at the same we condemn mindless bombing of innocent villagers habitat by the IK cadres”, the NSCN (K) Military Spokesperson stated.
Naga human rights body opposes hearing on dam Newmai News Network Sangai
Imphal, Nov 3: Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (South Sector) has strongly voiced against forthcoming hearing on controversial Tipaimukh Dam in Churachandpur and Tamenglong this month. NPMHR-South Sector convenor Phamhring Sen-gul informed Newmai News Network today that the Naga rights body would totally oppose the proposed “Public Hearing” on Tipai-mukh mega dam at Chura- chandpur slated for November 17 and also on November 22 at Tameng-long initiated by the Mani- pur Pollution Control Board.
The NPMHR has demanded that the project be withdrawn at any cost. “If the ‘public hearing’ is not called-off, NPMHR would carry out all sort of agitations immediately. ‘Public Hearing’ was aimed at public scrutiny of the project and transparency in environmental clearance system. The executive sum-mary of the project have to summarize the project mentioning the socio-economic benefit from the project, the environmental impact of the project, and the improvement measures proposed to minimize the negative environmental impact, if any. But the government has misused this democratic means for their own vested interest by cheating the people with their calculated motive,” said the Naga rights body. Phamhring Sengul then said that all information furnished in the ‘executive summary’ are manipulated. “There has been no ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ on the proposed project so far. The immediate impact will be on the ecological bio-diversity of the Barak river . North East region is one of the only few green belts in the whole world. This has been proved by the regular visits of rare species of migratory birds and other animals. The endangered animals like the slow Loris, big cats and horn-bill are found only in this part of India,” said the NPHMR convenor. The Naga rights body further stated that the executive summary does not mention the impact on bio-diversity. The catchments area as mention in the summary will affect in Burma 751 sq km, in Nagaland 728 sq km, in Manipur 9126 sq km and in Mizoram 2153 sq km respectively and vulnerable areas as mentioned are all manipulated calculations as percentage tally between villages and barren area are contradicting and misleading. “NPMHR is campaigning across the districts to collect the view and concern of the local community based leaders on various aspects related to environmental degradation, displacement, conflict etc due to such development taken up by the Government. NPMHR sincerely seek the support of all the communities in the North East region to voice against the Tipaimukh Dam and also bear with us in our agitation what-so-ever for the common future of the Global village. The Govern- ment should be held responsible for any untoward accident,” added the Naga rights body. A seminar christened as One Day Leaders Workshop against Tipaimukh Dam organized by NPMHR(South) was held at Indoor Stadium, Chandel on November 1. The meet was attended by tribal leaders, women and student leaders, intellectuals, teachers, NGOs, advocates, sportsmen where social activists Aram Pamai and Samson Remei spoke on the negative implications of Tipaimukh dam and R.Kasar spoke on behalf of the people of Mapithel Dam Affected Village Organisation. Representatives of All Naga Students Association (ANSAM) and Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) also addressed the meeting on the various socio-political dangers posed by the mega dams.
The meet decided to totally oppose the public hearing terming it as anti-democratic.
NPMHR cautions on Tipaimukh Dam construction Newmai News Network
Imphal The contentious Tipaimukh dam construction which is totally opposed by the Naga NGOs terming it as anti-democratic has once again irked the civil Naga organizations; this time, by the proposed public hearing to be conducted by the Manipur Pollution Control Board at Churachandpur and Tamenglong on November 17 and 22 this month respectively.
A statement issued by Phamhring Sengul, Convenor of the NPMHR Southern Region stated that the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights totally opposes the proposed “Public Hearing” and demanded immediate withdrawal of the project. If the “Public Hearing” is not called-off, then the NPMHR would carry out all sort of agitation immediately, the NPMHR threatened.
The statement alleged that the ‘executive summary’ of the said project was all manipulated as it contained no mention of the ecological bio-diversity of the Barak River area which is the home of many endangered species of plants and animals that would be adversely affected.
The statement further alleged that the catchments area as pointed out in the summary will affect in Burma 751 sq km, in Nagaland 728 sq km, in Manipur 9126 sq km and in Mizoram 2153 sq km respectively and vulnerable areas as mentioned are all manipulated calculations as percentage tally between villages and barren area are contradictory and misleading
The statement further added that the NPMHR is campaigning across the districts to collect the views and concerns of the local community about the various aspects related to environmental degradation, displacement, conflict etc due to such development taken up by the Government and appealed to all the communities of the North East region to voice out against the Tipaimukh Dam and also to bear with them in their agitation for the common future of the Global village. The NPMHR further warned that the Government would be held responsible for any untoward accident arising out of the agitation.
‘Good Governance’ meet ends on positive note ‘USP of each State has been taken advantage of’: Lalhuma The Morung Express
Seen in progress is the technical session on the 2nd day of the regional conference on ‘Fostering Good Governance’ at Police Complex, Chumukedima, Dimapur on November 3. (DIPR)
DIMAPUR, NOV 3 (DIPR): Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Lalhuma IAS speaking at the concluding day of the regional conference on ‘Fostering Good Governance’ this afternoon at Police Complex, Chumukedima, Dimapur, said that each State has its own strength, built-up systems and good practices. He said that the USP of each State has been utilized to push forward better governance and stressed that any good practice has to have the benefits in mind percolating down to the real beneficiaries in a fast and efficient manner. Saying that no system is perfect, Lalhuma thanked the DOPT for their initiatives and support extended to the Government of Nagaland and requested the participating States to have an open mind to study each other’s good practices for replication. He also hoped that with better efforts in bringing about good governance, the north east States would qualify to be models in good governance.
The first technical session on reform initiatives on day-one of the conference included a talk on ‘Fostering Good Governance’ by Additional Secretary AR & PG, Government of India, Rahul Sarin IAS and a panel discussion on ‘Governance Paradigms’ with Secretary, ISCS, Government of India, Amitabha Pande IAS as the moderator. The panelists were State Minister for Home, Vety, & AH, Election, Thenucho, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Deo Nukhu, Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Lalhuma, IAS, Editor of Nagaland page, Monalisa Changkija and Advocate, K. Savi. During the second technical session on Improved Public Service Delivery (PSD) there were presentations on ‘Enabling Environment for Good Governance – Internal Security Concerns’ by Joint Secretary, MHA, Government of India; ‘Bringing Excellence in Public Service Delivery : Assessment Framework’; ‘Reforming Public Service in India : Drawing Lessons from Success’ by Vikram Chandra, The World Bank; ‘Communitization in Nagaland’ by Principal Secretary & Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland, Alemtemshi IAS and a short presentation on ‘e-modop’ by Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Abhishek Singh IAS.
The concluding day witnessed a presentation on ‘Dissemination of Best Practices DARPG’ and success story presentations by the Government of Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Altogether 90 participants from the eight northeastern States, West Bengal, Orissa, representatives from the Government of India and the World Bank took part in the two – day regional conference.
Centre ready to enact new police act: Patil Nagaland Post
JALANDHAR, NOV 3 (PTI): The Centre has decided in principle to implement the new police act based on the Soli Sorabjee committee report for upgradation of the force, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said today. "The committee has already submitted its report with very good recommendations and the government is seriously considering it to enact the new police act according to the need of the times," he told reporters here.
He said several recommendations of the Sorabjee committee set up for the purpose could be accepted without hesitation but some others would have to be incorporated as per needs and the "state governments may have some difference on such points". "But, in principle the Central government has decided to enact the new police act to increase the capability of central and state police forces," he said. He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was eager to form police mission to increase its capability, modernisation of the force and to meet the new challenges.
"Today itself there was a meeting of the committee for forming the police mission attended by senior police officers, vice-chancellors of universities and directors of several big organisations," Patil, who was here as chief guest for the national hockey championship final, said.
He said the proposed police reforms were discussed at length during the meeting with the broad points of discussion being type of laws needed, structure of the force, adoption of a new ideology and formation of a special research university for its upgradation. During the meeting of police mission committee, the co-operations between country to country, state to state police, department to department were also discussed.
Two panels set up for transforming India's police forces into modern, capable and people-friendly entities met for the first time Friday to chalk out a roadmap for this. Home Minister Shivraj Patil chaired the meeting Empowered Steering Group and Executive Committee on police reforms that was also attended by National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, Home Secretary V.K. Duggal. The steering group was constituted to identify the goals, objectives and role of the Police Mission while the executive committee will work out the implementation methodology.
Fratricidal killings rock AR unit, Havildar goes berserk, shoots dead Captain, jawan, kills self By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 3 : Just four days after a jawan of the Indian Army shot dead a Lt Colonel at Srinagar, a Havildar of the 19 Assam Rifles went berserk today and shot dead a Captain and a Subedar before turning the gun on himself fatally. The incident occurred today at about 9.40 am at B company of the Assam Rifles unit located at Nongdam Kuki village under Litan police station. The Captain was the Commanding Officer of the post. The deceased Captain is identified as SJR Choudhury of Hyderabad while the Subedar has been identified as Ranjit Momin.
The Havildar who killed them has been named as GG Awidesh Sharma. According to police, the Havildar was attached to Platoon number 5 of the unit and he first killed the Captain by firing from his service AK-47 rifle and then turned the gun on the Subedar. After killing the Captain and the Subedar, the Havildar then killed himself with the same weapon. He received two bullet injuries on the chest. The Havildar did not die instantly and he was rushed to Leimakhong Army hospital by a helicopter but the doctors there could not revive him and he passed away at about 6.10 pm today. The AK-47 rifle has been impounded by the quarter guard. The Havildar opened fire at the Captain while he was strolling in front of his quarters, clad in shorts and a T shirt.
The Captain was hit by at least 5 bullets on the right side of the chest and he died at the spot.
The Subedar was about 6/7 feet away from the Captain and he too died at the spot after the Havildar opened fire at him. The position of the body suggested that the Subedar may have tried to take cover on seeing the Captain being shot to death by the Havildar.
The body of the Subedar was riddled with bullets. Adding more tragedy to the incident was the report that the young Captain was to get married on December 8. The invitation cards had already been sent to friends and relatives. Litan police have registered a case in connection with the incident today. The bodies of the Captain and the Subedar are being presently kept at RIMS morgue. Police recovered about 25 empty cases of AK 47 rifle from the spot of the incident. The body of the Havildar is being kept at the Army hospital at Leimakhong. Fratricidal killings amongst the security personnel have been on the rise in Manipur in recent times. This year, such incident occurred at Chassad in Ukhrul where the 1st Assam Rifles is stationed.
Similarly four jawans were killed at Jiribam when one of their colleagues opened fire some time back. A similar incident also occurred at Chandel where 4 jawans were killed in internal clashes. In Srinagar five such incidents have occurred in the last two/three weeks.
Incidents of internal fights in '06 Three incidents of fratricidal killings amongst the security personnel have occurred till date this year. Altogether nine personnel have been killed while five were injured. June 12 : Four personnel including two JCOs killed in a drunken brawl that culminated in firing at 44 Assam Rifles post at Chandel. September 23 : One Havildar and three Riflemen of the 5 Assam Rifles killed when one of their colleagues fired at them at Badamtala near Jiribam. The attacker also killed himself. Four others including a Captain were injured.
Oct 29 : A Rifleman of the 1st AR killed a colleague at its Chassad post, at Ukhrul.

India Social Forum to focus on NE From Our Spl. Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 3 – The North Eastern Region (NER) is going to be one of the focus areas in the forthcoming India Social Forum 2006 organised by the World Social Forum – India. Over 50,000 people from all over the country is slated to assemble in the Capital on November 9-13 to participate for ‘Building Another World: Visions for the Future’ which is the theme of the Meet this year. Delegates from several countries in South Asia, West Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe are also expected to participate in the Meeting, being held ahead of the World Social Forum Meet in Kenya in January, next. Briefing newsmen Mukul Sharma of ISF said they were expecting sizable participation from the North-east including tribal leaders. Discussions on issues relating to the NER have been organised.

NCP accuses Congress of neglecting Garo Hills Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
TURA, Nov 3 – Blowing the horn for poll battle, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in preparation for the coming by-elections to Rongjeng seat and with an eye to the 2008 general elections to the State Assembly, has blamed the ruling party for all ills plaguing the Garo Hills.

The NCP further blamed the Congress for doing too little for Garo Hills despite getting the mandate from the people to govern the State. In an attempt to further consolidate its position in the run up to the by-polls, the NCP held its youth conference at Rongjeng on Saturday and accused the Congress of not fulfilling the peoples’ aspirations.
The party endorsed the stand taken by most organisations of Garo Hills in demanding that Tura be made the Winter Capital of the State and the Winter session of the Assembly be held here.
The NCP’s demands include construction of a legislative assembly, secretariat and MLAs hostel, ministers bungalows, a Raj Bhawan among other infrastructure
Improved security attracting investors to Assam, says CM By IANS
Guwahati, Nov 4 (IANS) Top Indian corporate houses, including Reliance Industries and Tata Group, are keen to invest in Assam following a marked improvement in the state's overall security situation, says Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. 'Today I am getting investors from across the country, including big players like the Tata Group, willing to set up businesses here,' Gogoi told IANS in an exclusive interview. The interest shown by investors is attributed primarily to the improved law and order situation and a significant downslide in the insurgency activities.
'Investors look for security and an environment that is peaceful. A few years back, the situation here was not conducive enough to attract big investors. But today the situation has changed and peace is dawning in Assam and hence a suitable climate for business to grow here,' the chief minister said. Four top Indian corporate honchos - Reliance Industries, the Tata Group, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), and Videocon Industries Ltd - are expected to invest a whopping Rs.300 billion in development of rural infrastructure, promoting agriculture, and setting up power plants, IT parks, and bio-diesel facilities.
'All these companies have agreed in principle to invest in Assam either independently or in partnership with the state government. People from the Tata Group visited the state and are working out plans,' Gogoi said. Gogoi, led by a team of industry officials, was in Mumbai recently on a two-day business summit to showcase the state and attract investments.
Reliance Industries has expressed interest in developing rural infrastructure, promoting agriculture, setting up power plants, besides a bio-diesel facility in Assam. The Tata Group is interested in constructing budget hotels, a big mall in Guwahati that would be exclusively dealing with the latest electronic gadgets available in the world, setting up a manufacturing unit of advanced building materials, besides investing in the IT sector and educational institutions.
IL&FS and the Assam government have decided on a joint partnership in developing the Guwahati city, road construction works, solid waste and sewerage management, IT and power generation. Videocon Industries chairman V.N. Dhoot has expressed willingness to set up a cement plant, invest in the power sector, and textiles. 'We have assured all the companies that the state shall provide support like allocating land and help process papers without any bureaucratic red tape to execute the projects immediately,' Gogoi said. The chief minister's office would personally monitor implementation of the projects. 'I shall personally look into all the things to ensure that the companies do not have any problems in their ventures,' Gogoi said. 'I have assured all the company heads that we shall provide all security and other help without fail.'
ULFA suffers jolt; three cadres killed Staff Correspondent Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, Nov 3: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) received a major jolt this morning when two of its top leaders — Charan Majhi and Arup Dihingia — were gunned down by a team of police and CRPF at Kordoiguri and Hinginijia under Moran police station in Dibrugarh district. Another ULFA cadre, who was also killed in the encounter, is yet to be identified.
Charan Majhi was a leader of 28th battalion of the ULFA. He was in the news recently for carrying out wide-scale extortions from the management of several upper Asom tea estates. He was also responsible for gunning down of Ram Kumar Changmai, a surrendered militant, at Khowang Haldibari. According to police sources, yet another ULFA militant, Mangal Singh, who was in the group at Kardoiguri, managed to escape. Maji and his associates were said to have been staying at a make-shift camp in a paddy field when the police team surrounded them this morning. The exchange of fire between the militants and the police continued for almost six hours from five in the morning. The police claimed to have recovered an AK 56 Rifle, a Spain-made M-20 pistol, over 70 rounds of live cartridges, 32 detonators and some quantity of suspected RDX along with other incriminating documents. The combing operation is on to apprehend the absconding militant. As per local sources, a huge amount of money was also recovered by the police. However, police sources have denied the rumour.
Good sense, gambit hold key to Asom peace Wasbir Hussain Sentinel
I firmly believe that good sense and the ability to go for some gambits on the part of both the Government and the ULFA hold the key to peacemaking in Asom. Good sense seems to have dawned already on the two sides, or at least a section within the two sides. The fact that National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan has agreed to talk afresh, although to just one or two members of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), either in their individual capacity or as representatives of the group itself, is a positive development. Signals emanating out of the PCG (that had announced its withdrawal from the process of talks with the Centre) to the effect that it has not come out of the peace process as such is also a good sign. By far the most welcome development since the brief ‘truce’ was called off by New Delhi, leading to resumption of military operations on September 24, has been the communication from the ULFA calling upon the people of Asom to ‘join hands for a political solution to the conflict...’ The ULFA’s rider (as stated in the latest issue of its newsletter ‘Swadhinata’) that ‘only sovereignty could bring (about) permanent peace’ is hardly surprising in view of the group’s known demands and objectives. Despite the animosity, murderous attacks and counter-attacks, what is common between the Government and the ULFA is the clear realisation by the two sides that the insurgency in Asom can be resolved only politically. The ULFA thus far has been accused of not laying bare its vision of making Asom prosperous except for reiterating that only ‘sovereignty’ can lead to the State’s all-round progress and growth. In the latest issue of its mouthpiece ‘Swadhinata’, the ULFA has thrown some light on what it actually envisages. For instance, the ULFA has said that the people of Asom, including those belonging to the ethnic groups, must have control over the natural resources. It has also complained about the dismal healthcare facilities and the acute unemployment problem facing the people. The ULFA has also talked about harmonizing the society in Asom, and has stressed on unity without dividing the society on religious and ethnic lines. One gets a fair idea of the thinking within the outfit insofar as its vision for the State is concerned.
The Centre-PCG talks were meant to prepare the ground for a possible face-to-face meeting between the Government and the ULFA. It got derailed for the following main reasons: New Delhi’s unnecessary insistence on a written assurance from the ULFA mentioning it was actually keen on talking peace (I call it unnecessary because the ULFA had set up the PCG for the very purpose of talking peace); the Centre not talking in one voice on the peace initiative; New Delhi going for a gambit by halting military operations but panicking rather early with reports of the rebels regrouping and carrying out extortions; the ULFA not showing any patience during the ‘truce’ period and indulging in acts not expected of a frontline rebel group with 27 years of experience; and the State Government playing an utterly passive role during the period of ‘truce.’
Can the peace process be brought on track now? Maybe, the Government and the peace facilitators can consider some of these options:
(a) The Centre can extend a fresh invitation to the PCG for resumption of talks so that the current stalemate could be broken.
(b) The State Government in such a scenario (if a fresh invitation is extended by New Delhi) can meet with the PCG and convince it to resume the peace talks.
(c) If the PCG refuses to accept such an invitation, people like Indira Goswami or Rebati Phukan could be approached to act as facilitators in their individual capacity.
(d) The Centre can take the peace process several steps forward by appointing an interlocutor or a Group of Ministers to exclusively deal with the ULFA issue.
(e) The State Government must play a proactive role. Simply saying that it had no role to play as the ULFA or the PCG were only interested in talking to the Centre is not enough.
(f) The Centre may work out on its own modalities for a ceasefire with the ULFA and then make it public through the media and ask the ULFA to respond.
(g) Such a blueprint could be sent to the ULFA through individuals and then modified, after mutual agreement, so that a possible ceasefire agreement could be reached.
(h) The Centre can hold a meeting with civil society representatives, student leaders, media personalities and academics from Asom to gauge the mood of the people in general on the ULFA issue.
(i) The five ULFA leaders may be released if key facilitators who are part of the PCG give a reasonable assurance that such a move would increase the possibility of direct talks between the rebel group and the Government.